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| Glynn Cameron |
Union's senior cricketers strangled the life out of an out-of-sorts Albion batting order to set up their Borton Cup three-peat on Saturday.
It was a vintage Union display - economical with the ball, stingy in the field, and responsible with the bat as they set about crafting an eight-wicket victory.
Union captain Thomas Shields said the team were dedicating the win to former Union captain and club life-member Bob Pile, who passed away in early March.
Albion captain Dylan Winter had made it clear he wanted more from his batsmen. He didn't just want a smash and whack innings, he wanted his boys to stick around and bat the full 50 overs.
But instead of ticking the scoreboard over while maintaining wickets, Albion were strangled out of the game, scoring a mere five runs in the opening 10 overs.
The pace and aggression of Chris Ware (1/22) and the accuracy of Glynn Cameron (1/14) as Union's opening bowlers set the tone for the blues. The Mungas were holding their wicket, but like a possum in headlights, they seemed too scared and stunned to change their position.
Opening batsman Steve Halliwell (46) stuck around for a while after combining with Pete Cartwright to make 18 runs for the first wicket - in 16 overs.
It didn't get much better for Albion, with king-hitters Brad Kernahan and Paul Odell the only others to get runs with 23 each. Union continued to apply the pressure to eventually bowl Albion out for 142 with five balls remaining in their innings. Dan Conlan had the best figures for Union with 3/29, and was at one stage on a hat-trick.
Union, in complete contrast, were considerably more upbeat and positive with the bat. Anthony Cromwell (32) and Jeremiah Shields (32) combined for a 65-run first-wicket stand inside 10 overs.
After both openers fell to the spin of Paul Odell (2/19), Sean Conlan and Duncan Drew continued to secure Union's third successive title with eight wickets and 17 overs in hand.
The win means Union now become Oamaru's most successful senior cricket club, clinching their 31st title since 1921. They creep ahead of their closest rivals Oamaru, who have 30 titles.
In the Second Grade final between Valley and Oamaru, Oamaru batted first notching up 117-6 in its 40 overs. Andrew Brooks continued to lead from the front, like he has all season, top scoring with 37 not out while M Gough was the best of the Valley bowlers with 3-19. Former Hawke Cup Representative Kelvin Mansfield then made short work of the required target top scoring for the match with 79 not out, helping his side to a ten wicket win. Gavin Laird was the other Valley batsman used and he was 15 not out.
The Senior Reserve final proved to be as one sided as the other finals with Valley pulling of an upset 7 wicket win over Albion Blue. The Blue team had dominated the competition this season but came up short in the final batting first failing to reach 130 for their total. Valley, like third Second Grade team, made light work of the target and passed it with only the loss of three wickets.
Short Scorecard(s)
Senior - Borton Cup - Final
Union Senior vs Albion Senior at Whitestone Cont. Stadium
Albion Senior 142 ( S. Halliwell 46, B. Kernahan 23, P. Odell 23, D. Winter 14, D. Conlan 3-29, D.J. Drew 3-46, P. Johnston 2-29 )
Union Senior 144-2 ( A. Cromwell 32, J.H. Shields 32, S. Conlan 29no, D.J. Drew 19no, P.M. Odell 2-19 )
Union by 8 wickets
Full scorecard for the match
Player Pages:
Glynn Cameron | Peter Cartwright (jnr) | Sean Conlan | Antony Cromwell | Stephen Halliwell | Bradley Kernahan | Paul Odell | Robert Pile | Jeremiah Shields | Thomas Shields | Chris Ware |